Women decide not to wine during Febfast

Going teetotal for a whole month isn't everyone's cup of tea but a group of Tauranga women are taking up the annual Febfast challenge to help raise funds for youth at risk.

The third annual Drug Foundation's Febfast challenge is a nationwide health and charity event which encourages people to give up booze during February, while raising money to support young Kiwis struggling with alcohol and other drug problems.

For the third year running, Configure Express Bethlehem gym manager Pru Wood is helping co-ordinate a group of women, gym members and staff, to participate in the challenge. So far 13 people have signed up, including gym trainer Chrissie Culpit, she said.

Ms Wood said: "Being a ladies gym most of us have kids and some of our members are also mothers and grandmothers, and this is important issue in our community."

She said the self-imposed ban may not be easy for some, but there are lots of benefits, with participants reporting sleeping better, feeling healthier and more energised.

Ms Wood said the gym's motto for Febfast is 'Configure Women don't Wine'. "Last year we raised $500 and our goal this year is to raise at least $600," she said.

More than 650 people nationwide participated last year and the $107,714 raised went towards supporting youth alcohol and other drug services across the country.

Febfast co-ordinator Jackson Wood said there has already been good uptake and there was still time to sign up.

"February is the shortest month of the year, so it is good opportunity to push pause on alcohol after the busy summer celebration season," he said.